Dead and Berried Nutritional Breakdown
Hawkes Dead & Berried is a popular mixed berry hard cider known for its sweet berry flavor and 6% alcohol by volume (ABV). The calorie count is primarily driven by its carbohydrate content, with virtually no fat or protein present. Understanding the specific nutritional components can help consumers make informed decisions, especially for those monitoring their caloric or sugar intake.
Calorie and Carbohydrate Content
For a standard 12 fl oz (355ml) serving, the breakdown is as follows:
- Total Calories: 204
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Alcohol: Contributes a significant portion of the calories. Alcohol contains 7 calories per gram, so in a 6% ABV beverage, this is a major factor.
- Sugar: The berry and apple base contributes natural sugars, and the fermentation process converts these sugars to alcohol. The final sugar content will depend on how much is converted, but fruit ciders are often higher in residual sugar compared to dry ciders or beers.
The Role of Fermentation
During fermentation, yeast converts the sugar from the fruit juice into alcohol and carbon dioxide. This process is what creates the "hard" aspect of hard cider. The final sweetness level of the cider depends on how much sugar is left unconverted. Hawkes Dead & Berried, with its blend of mixed red berries, is described as having a sweet berry front and a slightly dry finish.
Other Nutritional Considerations
While calories and carbs are the primary nutritional metrics for this beverage, it's worth noting other aspects:
- Sulphites: The ingredients list confirms the presence of sulphites, which are a common preservative in winemaking and cider production.
- Gluten-Free: As a cider made from apples and berries, it is naturally gluten-free.
- Fat and Protein: Like most ciders, Dead & Berried contains 0 grams of fat and protein.
Comparison: Dead and Berried vs. Other Beverages
To put the 204 calories in perspective, here is a comparison table with other common drinks. All calorie counts are approximate and for a standard serving size.
| Beverage (Standard Serving Size) | Approximate Calories | Key Differences |
|---|---|---|
| Hawkes Dead & Berried (12 oz) | 204 | High in sugar and carbs; fruity flavor. |
| Standard Beer (12 oz) | 150-180 | Generally lower in sugar than fruity ciders. |
| Light Beer (12 oz) | 90-110 | Significantly fewer calories and carbs. |
| Glass of Wine (5 oz) | 125-150 | Calorie count varies greatly depending on the wine's alcohol and sugar content. |
| Gin & Tonic (1.5 oz gin) | ~140 | Higher-calorie from tonic water, but pure liquor is calorie-dense. |
| Regular Soda (12 oz) | ~140 | High sugar, no alcohol. |
| Apple Juice (12 oz) | ~170 | High in natural sugars, no alcohol. |
Factors Influencing Cider Calories
Several factors contribute to the total calorie count of a hard cider. These are important for understanding why the caloric content can vary significantly from one product to another.
- Alcohol by Volume (ABV): As mentioned, alcohol itself contains calories. Higher ABV ciders will naturally have more calories than lower ABV versions, assuming the sugar content is similar. BrewDog's Nanny State, for example, is a low-ABV beer with very few calories.
- Sugar Content: This is the other major caloric driver. Some ciders are fermented until they are very dry, meaning most of the sugar is converted to alcohol, resulting in fewer residual calories from sugar. Fruit ciders like Dead & Berried retain more of the fruity sweetness, increasing their caloric load. Other brands, such as Skinny Fruit Cider, specifically produce lower-calorie versions by controlling the sugar content.
- Added Ingredients: Additional flavorings or juices can increase the sugar and, by extension, the calorie count. The mixed berries in Dead & Berried contribute to its overall caloric profile.
- Serving Size: The calorie counts listed are per standard 12 oz can. Consuming larger servings, such as a pint, will increase the total intake. For example, a pint of cider can have significantly more calories than a standard serving.
Understanding the 'Dead' and 'Berried' Terminology
The name "Dead & Berried" is a playful, catchy title that alludes to the flavor profile rather than any specific brewing process. The "Dead" part is a branding term used by Hawkes and BrewDog, and the "Berried" part obviously refers to the fruit. There is no specific technical meaning for these words in the context of cider calories. For example, BrewDog uses similar branding for other products like "Dead Pony Club". The key takeaway is that the calories are not from something "dead," but from the fermentation of fruit sugars.
Conclusion
Hawkes Dead & Berried Mixed Berry Cider is a flavorful and popular choice, but its caloric content of 204 calories per 12 oz can should be considered, particularly for those with dietary goals. The calories primarily come from the alcohol and residual sugars inherent in a sweet, fruit-based hard cider. By comparing its nutritional profile to other drinks and understanding the factors that influence its calorie count, consumers can make more mindful decisions. For those seeking lower-calorie alcoholic options, exploring drier ciders or light beers would be a better alternative, while still allowing for a delicious and enjoyable beverage. A deeper understanding of beverage nutrition can lead to healthier consumption habits.(https://drink.brewdog.com/uk/beer-knowledge/calories-in-beer)
